Apparatus and method for holding a bag

ABSTRACT

A bag holder  6  includes weld nuts  7  and brackets  5  mounted to a ring  1  wherein legs  2  are attached to the ring  1 , weld nuts  7 , and brackets  5  with thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners  3 . The threads of thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners  3  are coined after tightening to preclude the backing out or removal of the thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners  3  from the weld nuts  7  and brackets  5  and ring  1  upon disassembly and wherein said thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners  3  have wing portions  2   a  or heads that are used to hold the bag.

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims priority of prior Provisional ApplicationNo. 60/206,739, filed May. 24, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Bags are used for various purposes and are available in a varietyof sizes. For example, contractor bags can be obtained in variouscapacities and dimensions, such as in a 42 gallon capacity, generallythree mil thickness and four feet long. A well-known “Husky” bag is usedin the carpentry, electrical, landscaping, drywall, plumbing andpainting trades.

[0003] Bag holders are usually in the form of trash barrels. With trashbarrels, the bag is removed from the trash barrel when the bag is full.A problem is the expense and care for these large trash barrels. Thisincludes the removal and storage of these trash barrels when they are nolonger needed or the transportation of these trash barrels to anotherwork site as required. The purchasing, storage and/or transportation oftrash barrels can be a very costly and burdensome annoyance.

[0004] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more ofthe problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect of this invention, a bag holder is disclosed. Thebag holder includes a ring, at least three legs, and a mechanism forattaching one end of each of the legs to the ring.

[0006] In another aspect of this invention, a method for holding a bagupright and in the open position is disclosed. The method includesassembling a bag holder having a ring and at least three legs attachedthereto, placing a bag though the ring, and attaching an open end of thebag around the ring of the bag holder.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a lightweightholder for bags.

[0008] Still another aspect of the invention is the use of threadedthumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners for fastening thelegs to the ring and method for coining the threads of said threadedthumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners to preclude theirremoval from brackets, weld nuts and ring.

[0009] Another aspect of this invention is to use thumb screws, threadedhex bolts or similar fasteners for piercing and holding a bag in placein a bag holder during high wind and heavy load conditions.

[0010] Yet another aspect of this invention is to provide an attachablesleeve for holding bag ties.

[0011] In another aspect of this invention a bag holder that is easilyassembled and disassembled is provided.

[0012] Another aspect of this invention is to provide a bag holderwherein the holder is easily removed by moving the bag holder; however,the bag may remain unmoved.

[0013] These aspects are not meant to be all encompassing, but aremerely a sampling of the numerous aspects and features of thisinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Reference is now made more particularly to the drawings, whichillustrate the best presently known mode of carrying out the inventionand wherein similar reference characters indicate the same partsthroughout the views.

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled embodiment;

[0016]FIG. 2 is a side view of the leg;

[0017]FIG. 2a is an isolated view of the end portion of the leg, whichis connected to the ring, weld nuts and brackets;

[0018]FIG. 2b is a front view of a bracket;

[0019]FIG. 2c is a side view of the bracket;

[0020]FIG. 3 is a partial top view of an assembled embodiment showingthe ring; thumb screw, threaded hex bolt or similar fastener; bracket;weld nut and leg;

[0021]FIG. 3a is a partial side view of an assembled embodiment showingthe ring; one thumb screw, threaded hex bolt or similar fastener; onebracket and one leg;

[0022]FIG. 4 is a side view of an optional sleeve attachment and sleeveattachment clip; and

[0023]FIG. 4a is a top view of the optional sleeve attachment and sleeveattachment clip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] An embodiment for holding a bag in the opened position showngenerally in FIG. 1. In the preferred embodiment as shown in FIGS. 3 and3a, a symmetrical ring 1 is indirectly or directly connected to legs 2.The ring 1 could be round, oval, or any other shape, including squareand rectangular. The legs 2 are at an angle with respect to the groundor tapered, or are vertical with respect to the ground. The number oflegs is three; however, three or more legs can be utilized. The legs 2are tubular steel and preferably 14 gauge; however, the legs 2 can bemade of different gauge sizes and materials. The legs 2 could beplastic, wood or other suitable materials sufficient to support the loadof the ring 1, bag and any materials deposited in the bag. The legs 2are adjustable in the preferred embodiment; however, the legs 2 can befixed at a certain length. The adjustment for varying the leg 2 lengthcan be done in any number of known ways and a further explanation is notconsidered necessary. The legs 2 can be vertical; however, in thepreferred embodiment the legs 2 extend outwardly and at an angle fromthe ring 1. The angle at which the legs extend from the ring 1 can beadjusted. For tight areas or high pedestrian traffic areas, the anglebetween the ring 1 and legs 2 may be small; however, in othersituations, the angle may be larger. In short, the angle is determinedby the user depending on the application. An optional sleeve attachment4 can be attached to the legs 2 as shown in FIG. 1. The attachment 4 isused to hold bag ties. The attachment 4 is similar to a canister withone capped end 9. The capped end 9 is the bottom surface. At theopposite end, the attachment 4 has an uncapped end or opened end 10. Theuncapped end 10 allows the bag ties entry and exit into the attachment4. The attachment 4 is clipped to one or more legs 2 by an optionalsleeve attachment clip 8. The attachment 4 and clip 8 are shown in FIGS.4 and 4a. The legs 2 have a first end that is a flattened portion 2 awherein the flattened portion 2 a is directly or indirectly connected tothe ring 1 a shown in FIGS. 3 and 3a.

[0025] The ring 1 is constructed of steel; however, other suitablematerials can be used. The ring 1 is suspended off the ground by thelegs 2. The ring 1 is parallel with respect to the ground as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3a. The ring 1 has an opening and is supported by the legs 2positioned such that the opening of the ring 1 is penetrated in verticaldirection with respect to the ground.

[0026] The legs 2 and ring 1 are connected and fastened together at thejunction of brackets 5, weld nuts 7 by thumb screws, threaded hex boltsor similar fasteners 3. The thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similarfasteners 3 are threaded. In the preferred embodiment, the thumb screws,threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners 3 are made of steel but othermaterials can be used. Brackets 5 are attached to the ring 1 to providea mating junction for the legs 2 and the ring 1. The brackets 5 have ahole wherein weld nuts 7 are connected to the brackets 5. The weld nuts7 are threaded and used for receiving the thumb screws, threaded hexbolts or similar fasteners 3. The flattened portion 2 a of the legs 2are slipped between the ring 1 and inner surface of the brackets 5 withrespect to the ring 1. The thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similarfasteners 3 are threaded through the weld nuts 7 and contact theflattened portion 2 a of the legs 2. After assembling the thumb screws,threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners 3, the threads of same arecoined by means for coining said threads. In the preferred embodiment, apunch tool is hammered down onto the threads of the thumb screws,threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners 3 resulting in coined threads.Many tradesmen use pliers or other means for tightening the thumbscrews, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners 3. The coining of thethreads of the thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners 3preclude the thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners 3from being backed out or removed from the weld nuts and brackets 5 whileallowing the legs 2 to be disassembled from the ring 1. This isdesirable because it prevents the thumb screws, threaded hex bolts orsimilar fasteners 3 from being lost or misplaced. The thumb screws,threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners 3 remain connected to the weldnuts 7 and brackets 5 of the ring 1 when the legs 2 are removed from thebrackets 5 and ring 1.

[0027] After the legs 2 are connected to the weld nuts 7, brackets 5 andring 1 by the thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners 3, abag is placed through the diameter of the ring 1. The open end of thebag is wrapped around the circumference of the ring 1. When thumb screws3 are used, the thumb screws 3 are tightened with a torque wrench sothat the wing portions 3 a of the thumb screws 3 are vertical withrespect to the ground. This is beneficial because the bag is secured tothe ring 1 by piercing the bag with the wing portion 3 a of the thumbscrews 3 during high wind or heavy load conditions. Alternatively, thewing portions 3 a could be in various positions and still serve the samepurpose.

[0028] The length of the legs 2 and ring 1 diameter can be made invarious sizes depending on the diameter and length of the bag. Forexample, a 55 gallon bag would require a 23 in. diameter ring 1 and 40in. legs 2; whereas, a 42 gallon bag would require a 20.5 in. diameterring 1 and 36 in. legs 2. When the bag is placed in bag holder 6, thebag contacts the ground as shown in FIG. 1. The ground serves to supportthe bag and its contents.

[0029] The assembly and disassembly of the legs 2 to the weld nuts 7 andbrackets 5 of the ring 1 with the thumb screws, threaded hex bolts orsimilar fasteners 3 is easily done. Further, during disassembly thethumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similar fasteners 3 remain connectedto the weld nuts 7, brackets 5 and ring 1 preventing them from beingmisplaced or lost.

[0030] Another feature being that the bag holder 6 can be removed bydetaching the bag from the thumb screws, threaded hex bolts or similarfasteners 3 and by lifting the bag holder 6. During the removal of thebag holder 6, the bag remains in the same location unmoved. Whereas witha trash barrel, the bag must be removed from the trash barrel. Incertain situations, it is advantageous to remove the bag holder 6 whileleaving the bag unmoved. For example, a heavy loaded bag could causeback strain so it might be advantageous to remove the bag holder andthen with assistance lift and move the bag to the desired location.

What is claimed is:
 1. A bag holder, comprising: a ring; at least three legs; and a mechanism for attaching one end of each of said legs to said ring.
 2. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said attachment mechanism includes a bracket and a fastening mechanism, wherein said fastening mechanism connects said bracket to said ring and secures said legs between said bracket and ring.
 3. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said bracket has a larger periphery than a periphery of said ring.
 4. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said fastening mechanism includes a threaded opening.
 5. The bag holder as recited in claim 4, wherein said threaded opening includes a nut.
 6. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said fastening mechanism includes a threaded member.
 7. The bag holder as recited in claim 6, wherein said threaded member includes a thumb screw.
 8. The bag holder as recited in claim 6, wherein said threaded member includes a threaded hex bolt.
 9. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said legs are untapered.
 10. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said legs are tapered.
 11. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said legs taper from narrow to wide in the direction away from said ring.
 12. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said legs are adjustable in length.
 13. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said legs are a fixed length.
 14. The bag holder as recited in claim 1, further comprising: an optional sleeve attachment connected to at least one said leg for holding bag ties.
 15. The bag holder as recited in claim 2, wherein said fastening mechanism can be utilized to retain said bag in an open position.
 16. The bag holder as recited in claim 15, wherein said fastening mechanism when engaged the threads are coined thereby preventing disengagement.
 17. The bag holder as recited in claim 16, wherein when said fastening mechanism includes a threaded member and a threaded opening wherein at least one thread of said threaded member is coined thereby preventing said threaded member from backing out or being removed from said threaded opening.
 18. A method for holding a bag upright and in the open position, comprising: assembling a bag holder having a ring and at least three legs attached thereto; placing a bag though said ring; and attaching an open end of the bag around said ring of said bag holder.
 19. The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising: piercing an open end of said bag on protrusions located on said bag holder so that said bag is held in an open position.
 20. A method for moving a bag holder that contains a bag without moving said bag from it location, comprising: unwrapping the bag from said bag holder having a ring and at least three legs attached thereto; and moving said bag from its location. 